Acquisition Reform: Classes of Contracts Not Suitable for the Federal Acquisition Computer Network.
Abstract
The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 (FASA), Public Law 103-355, mandated a governmentwide Federal Acquisition Computer Network (FACNET) architecture to enable federal agencies and vendors to do business electronically in a standard way and move the government's procurement process away from paper. It was expected that FACNET would be used for most competitive contract awards valued above the micro-purchase threshold of $2,500, up to the simplified acquisition threshold of $100,000. Procurements in this range are simplified acquisitions that may be conducted using procedures that are less complex than those required for full and open competitive acquisitions. In January 1997, we reported numerous concerns about FACNET implementation, including FASA'S requirements. Legislation has been introduced to amend the FASA requirements to allow electronic commerce (EC) to be implemented in a more flexible manner. This letter responds to the FASA requirement that we report on "the classes of contracts in amounts greater than the micro-purchase threshold and not greater than the simplified acquisition threshold that are not suitable for acquisition through a system with full FACNET capability." Specifically, we ascertained characteristics of contract actions that agencies found not suitable for FACNET processing and evaluated the reasonableness and consistency of agencies' explanations why they were unsuitable for FACNET. In addition, we analyzed governmentwide EC statistics to determine agencies' use of FACNET and other EC purchasing methods. We obtained information from senior procurement officials at 24 federal agencies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 17, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA329700
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office